Epidaurus

Epidaurus, a town of ancient Greece, on the eastern shore of the Peloponnesus, in the district of Argolis. During the most prosperous period of Grecian history Epidaurus was an independent state. The form of government was originally monarchical, but, after many vicissitudes, it eventually became and remained oligarchical. At an early period Epidaurus became one of the chief commercial cities of the Peloponnesus. It was chiefly famous for its temple of Æsculapius, to which patients resorted from all parts of the Hellenic world, seeking a cure for their diseases. The site of this temple, about 5 miles west of the town, is still called Hieron, 'the sanctuary.' Epidaurus had also numerous temples and a magnificent theatre, at present in a more perfect state of preservation than any in the Peloponnesus, and with sufficient accommodation for 12,000 spectators. At the modern Epidavro, a small village, in January 1822 a congress from all parts of Greece assembled, and promulgated the constitution known as the constitution of Epidaurus.